Have you wondered how crossword puzzles are created? This course will cover puzzle creation, and it may help you become a better solver, even if you don’t plan to become a crossword constructor yourself. The process includes the following steps: 1) know about conventions, tools, formats; 2) brainstorm and place theme entries; 3) arrange grid blocks (black squares); 4) fill in other words; 5) craft imaginative, challenging clues; 6) revise and submit for publication. After a brief intro to free-form style puzzles, the course will focus on US newspaper-style, symmetric, themed 15 x 15 puzzles, e.g., The New York Times— plus an OLLI-themed puzzle. The instructor will share experiences of his first NYT crossword and his first months as Ashland.news crossword editor. Depending on class interest, we’ll construct a new puzzle together. For more information: http://communicrossings.com/constructing-crosswords. The Zoom sessions will be recorded for later viewing.